Structure: Punctuation Marks – SS2 English Lesson Note (Second Term)

Punctuation marks are the marks or signs inserted in a piece of writing to mark off words or groups of words. The use of punctuation marks makes for an effective presentation of ideas.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• state what punctuation marks are and why they are used;
• use the comma correctly in lists, clauses and direct speech;
• use the semicolon to separate main clauses and parts of a sentence that already contain commas;
• use the question mark and the colon correctly;
• punctuate a short passage.

When do we use a comma (,)?

The comma is used:

• To mark off words in a list. Example: She gave us two pencils, four rulers and pens.
• To mark off phrases or clauses. Example: Having seen her son, she felt relieved.
• To mark off non-defining relative clauses. Example: Mr Kargbo, who happens to be a lawyer, is aware of our situation.
• To mark off main clauses linked by a conjunction such as and, or, but, as, for. Example: They have been complaining about their flight for five years, but unfortunately, the management has not paid any attention.
• In direct speech, to separate the speech (in quotation marks) from the words that are not speech. Example: She said, “Run as fast as you can.”

When do we use a semicolon (;)?

A semicolon is used:

• To separate two main clauses, especially those not linked by a conjunction. Example: She looks awful; she needs a shower.
• In place of a comma, to separate parts of a sentence which already contains a comma. Example: He made up his mind to take the bull by the horns; he would purge the country, no matter the cost.

When do we use a question mark (?)?

A question mark is used:

• To mark the end of a direct question. Example: Have you had lunch?
• To express doubt. Example: He was in Toronto?
• At the end of a question tag. Example: Bisi left late, didn’t she?

When do we use a colon (:)?

A colon is used:

• To introduce a list. Example: These are the items they are asking for: a bicycle, two goats and four gallons of palm oil.
• To introduce a phrase or clause which supplies additional information about the main clause. Example: He could not leave her despite her misbehaviour: he lacked the courage.

Evaluation

1. What are punctuation marks used for?
2. Give two uses of the comma, with one example of each.
3. Punctuate this sentence: Mr Kargbo who happens to be a lawyer is aware of our situation
4. When is a semicolon used in place of a comma?
5. Which punctuation mark ends a question tag? Give an example.

Assignment

Punctuate the following passage:

She was waiting for us small dowdy dirty in sharp contrast to the sham grandeur of the car but unprepossessing as she looked the burgeo was wise in the ways of the unforgiving world of water she was a proper sea-boat not a floating motel.